The Indian National Congress has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support of former U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza, calling it an act of "moral cowardice". The party has raised serious questions about the proposal, highlighting what it sees as fundamental flaws and a betrayal of India's long-standing support for Palestinian rights.

On September 30, 2025, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Trump's 20-point proposal, describing it as a "viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region". Modi expressed hope that all parties involved would support the initiative to end the conflict and secure peace.

However, this endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused Modi of maintaining "complete silence on the horrific atrocities that have led to the killing of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza". Ramesh characterized this silence as "extreme moral cowardice and a total betrayal of all that India has stood for". He argues that Modi's support for the Trump plan is primarily to "appease his good friend President Trump" and show solidarity with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ramesh has raised four "disturbing" questions regarding the Trump plan:

1. Where are the people of Gaza themselves in the system of governance proposed? This question highlights concerns about the lack of Palestinian agency and self-determination within the proposed framework. The plan envisions a transitional administration in Gaza, potentially excluding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, with the United States playing a supervisory role. Critics argue that this could lead to a "colonial-style administration" where Palestinians have little meaningful say in their own governance.
2. Where is the roadmap for a full-fledged Palestinian state to come into being? This question touches on the long-standing issue of Palestinian statehood, which has been recognized by 157 member countries of the UN, including India. The Congress party worries that the Trump plan does not offer a clear path towards a sovereign Palestinian state and may even undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.
3. How much longer will the US and Israel continue to ignore Palestinian statehood? This question emphasizes the international consensus on the need for a Palestinian state and questions the continued resistance from the US and Israel. The Congress party fears that the Trump plan reinforces this disregard for Palestinian rights and aspirations.
4. Where is the accountability for the genocide that has been carried out in Gaza over the past twenty months? This question refers to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the high number of civilian casualties. The Congress party is calling for accountability for the loss of life and alleged atrocities committed during the conflict.

Congress leader Pawan Khera echoed Ramesh's criticism, stating that "any plan that undermines the agency of the long-oppressed Palestinian people and fails to ensure accountability for the genocide they have endured since 2023 is deserving of contempt and condemnation". Khera emphasized that "true justice can be restored only through the establishment of the Palestinian state" and warned that "everything else is a mere smokescreen to perpetuate the occupation".

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has also expressed "profound distress" over the situation in Gaza, stating that India "has now shamefully been reduced to a silent spectator". The CWC resolution asserts that India's foreign policy has acquired a "moral taint" due to its perceived inaction on the Gaza conflict.

While Modi's support for the Trump plan has been welcomed by Israel, with the Israeli ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, suggesting that India could play a key role in the reconstruction of Gaza, it has clearly sparked significant controversy within India. The Congress party's strong condemnation highlights the deep divisions over India's foreign policy and its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.